Consultation on plain packaging to be announced today

The wait is over.

The Secretary of State for Health will today present a written ministerial statement announcing a consultation on the introduction of regulations for standardised packaging of tobacco products.

This is the "final short consultation" the Government promised on April 3.

Let battle commence. Again.

PS. If you haven't yet written to David Cameron on the subject please do so NOW! Click here.

Update on Thursday, June 26, 2014 at 12:56 by Simon Clark

The Government has published information for an "open consultation" on plain packaging – click here:

See Standardised packaging of tobacco products: draft regulations.

The consultation closes on August 7, 2014 – the middle of the holiday season!

Here are some initial responses:

• Forest urges government to keep "open mind" on plain packaging

• NFRN urges MPs to reject plain packaging regulations

• IEA: Evidence is not on the side of plain packaging

Comments

[Norman Brand]

The holiday season is traditionally a time for bureaucrats to slip through dodgy decisions, from Town Hall to Whitehall.

[Pat Nurse]

We already said No. How many times does Cameron need to be told? He's a coward allowing himself to be pushed into bullying unprotected consumers.

If the Tories push on with stealing the rights of tobacco consumers, then they will lose GE2015. If you vote Tory then be sure to tell them this could mean they will NEVER win another election again.
#WeSmokeWeVote

[Adam]

Sent my letter via HOOPS. Anyone notice the consultation states that respondents must declare any connection they may have with the tobacco industry?

So far I've not noticed such requirement for those connected to the anti smoking or pharmaceutical industries. Already looking like one rule for them...

[LooseBruce]

It is already a done deal and there's nothing we can do about it! If we lived in a democracy then a 'vote' means exactly that.
However, if you live in a dictatorship then a 'vote' means those in power 'vote' for you. Of course they know best and of course what we all want!!
Anything related data-wise to plain packaging has to be related to Australia as they are the only country to have introduced it. Has it worked out there?
Of course they will lie. Of course they will twist the truth and of course 'harp on' about the good it will have. Explain that to me with regards to the smoking ban that has closed thousands upon thousands of hospitality venues.
We now live in a sad, sad country.
Thankfully I'm leaving soon. Will I come back? To what? What will be left to come back for?
Last 'freedom seeker' please turn off the lights!!